Signature Events

Signature Events bring MIM’s galleries to life through extraordinary cultural and celebratory experiences.

Signature Events establish MIM as a center of culture and community by introducing guests to the museum and its collection through large-scale events such as Experience Cultural Programs, holiday offerings, events honoring musical icons, special exhibition programs, and more.

EXPERIENCE CULTURAL PROGRAMS

These one-of-a-kind events immerse guests in diverse music and cultures from around the globe. With each one focused on a different country or geographic region, guests experience live musical and dance performances, hands-on activities, and more!

MUSICAL ICON EVENTS

Celebrate influential and inspiring artists who are known as icons of the musical world! Each program puts the spotlight on artists from MIM’s galleries, showcasing them through engaging activities such as film screenings, curator talks, and MIMQuiz trivia games.

All Signature Events are included with paid museum admission and free for members.

2018 SIGNATURE EVENTS

DISCOVER SCIENCE AT MIMSaturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21
Kick off the New Year by exploring “How Science Brings Music to Life” at MIM. This exciting new program will include a weekend of hands-on activities, workshops, demonstrations, talks and lectures, performances, and more―all focused on how science and technology affect the way music is made and heard.

MUSICAL ICON: ELLA FITZGERALDSaturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25
Commemorate the 100th birthday of the “First Lady of Song”! In conjunction with the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation’s yearlong “Ella 100” celebration, MIM will honor Fitzgerald’s legacy through lectures, film screenings, trivia games, and other activities.

EXPERIENCE IRELAND
Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18
Make plans to experience Ireland at MIM’s celebration of Irish music and culture. Enjoy music, crafts, Irish dancing, hands-on activities, and more; it’s a perfect way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day!

MUSICAL ICONS: TITO PUENTE AND CELIA CRUZ
Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15
Celebrate two of the most popular Latin artists of the twentieth century. The careers of Latin music icons Tito Puente and Celia Cruz helped make Afro-Cuban and salsa music staples in the American musical landscape. Come take part in fun activities, enjoy performances, and learn about the musical styles and legacies of “The King of the Timbales ” and “The Queen of Salsa” featured in MIM’s Artist Gallery.

EXPERIENCE THE MEDITERRANEAN
Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10
Live la dolce vita for a weekend at MIM and enjoy the sounds and cultures of the Mediterranean Sea! Enjoy hands-on activities, get up close and personal with some instruments from this region, and give your ears a taste of the Mediterranean with live performances.

EXPERIENCE ARIZONA MUSIC
Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15
Escape from the heat and immerse yourself in sounds that originated in our own backyard! With its rich musical history, Arizona is home to many different cultures with their own distinct musical styles and influences. Join MIM as we celebrate the diverse music and artistry that make up the musical landscape of our home state.

EXPERIENCE THE CARIBBEAN
Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5
Hear the sounds and feel the rhythm of the Caribbean at MIM this summer. Experience the costumes, the characters, and the vibrant musical traditions from Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and more. Celebrate these cultures through live performances, Culture Talks, crafts, and other fun, hands-on activities.

MUSICAL ICON: LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26
In honor of his hundredth birthday, MIM is commemorating one of the most accomplished and versatile American musicians and composers: Leonard Bernstein! Join us for an exciting look into “Lenny’s” life through talks, performances of his music, trivia games, and more.

EXPERIENCE WEST AFRICA
Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23
Immerse yourself in the rhythms and musical stories of West Africa at MIM! Celebrate this region’s rich musical culture through fun activities, exciting performances, and informative talks. Don’t forget to visit MIM’s Africa Gallery to learn more about this region’s instruments, such as the talking drum, djembe, mbira, and kora.

MUSICAL ICON: RAVI SHANKAR
Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14
Ravi Shankar was a master sitar player whose influence has spread to countless musicians across many genres. Join MIM in honoring his rich musical legacy through hands-on activities, lectures, trivia quizzes, and performances. During your visit, be sure to include a trip to MIM’s Artist Gallery, where two of Ravi Shankar’s sitars are on display.

EXPERIENCE BRAZIL
Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2
Let MIM share with you the sights and sounds of Brazilian culture and music. Experience vibrant musical performances, Brazilian dance workshops, a Brazilian-inspired menu, and more. Come learn about the origins of choros, bossa novas, sambas, and other notable musical styles from Brazil.

‘TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAYS AT MIM
Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16
Celebrate the “most wonderful time of the year” at MIM! Join us for our annual holiday program featuring musical performances and holiday-themed activities. MIM will transform into a musical “Winter Wonderland” with songs and musical traditions that spread tidings of good cheer around the world throughout this season. This merry event is one you won’t want to miss.